Rebuilding The Bronx
News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
Taking Action
beWell
The East End
Crime Files

Southern District sides with New York City in 'Operation Padlock to Protect' lawsuit

Court documents show the shop owners claim the closing down of businesses is illegal and unconstitutional.

Marissa Santorelli

Mar 24, 2025, 6:55 AM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

The Southern District of New York is siding with New York City in a lawsuit brought forward by 27 businesses that were shut down and unable to operate, according to a Friday ruling.

Court documents show the shop owners claim the closing down of businesses is illegal and unconstitutional.
Since May, the city has shutdown 1,350 shops and seized more than $92 million in cannabis sales.

The ruling is a big win for the city, who responded saying:"We are glad to hear that the court upheld what we’ve know all along - New York City’s process to shutdown illegal smoke shops — which threaten New Yorkers’ health, safety, and quality of life — is lawful. Since last spring, the Adams administration has closed over 1,350 illegal smoke shops and seized over $92 million in products. We remain committed to closing down illegal smoke shops, supporting the growth of the legal cannabis industry, and protecting public safety."

All 27 shops will remain sealed and shut.

More Stories

Top Stories

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices